Weekly Newsletters

Jun092014

This week, I enjoyed spending time in the 32nd Congressional District visiting with constituents and businesses to discuss the current direction of our country and the issues impacting North Texas.

Business Roundtable & Company VisitOn Tuesday, I participated in a business roundtable luncheon at H&S Manufacturing with representatives from some of Rowlett’s top employers. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the issues facing North Texas businesses and to discuss my work in Congress to reduce regulations, strengthen America's energy independence, and make it easier for businesses to thrive and create jobs.

Congressman Pete Sessions participating in a business roundtable

I also visited Ascend Custom Extrusions, which with approximately 150 employees is the 7th largest employer in Wylie. Ascend is a manufacturer and designer of custom aluminum extrusions for industries including building construction, transportation, consumer durables, and electrical and machinery equipment. I enjoyed touring the facility and getting the opportunity to discuss a variety of topics including ObamaCare, energy independence, and EPA regulations.

Congressman Sessions touring Ascend Custom Extrusions

Dallas Chapter of Military World Wars & TC Marsh VisitThis week, I also had the opportunity to speak to the Dallas Chapter of Military World Wars, which is a national organization of American Military Officers, Warrant Officers, Flight Officers and their descendants of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Public Health Service. It includes active, reserve component, retired, or former service members. During the meeting, I spoke about the importance of the military and honoring those who have served, as well as the importance of instilling honorable values in our community’s youth.

On Wednesday, I visited TC Marsh Middle School’s museum. The museum was established May 8, 2012, and features military uniforms and memorabilia dating back to World War I from each of the five branches of the United States military. I appreciated getting a chance to see the museum and receive an update on Marsh’s Leadership Cadet Corps, which has won the national championship among middle schools for three of the past six years under the direction of Cpl. David Bates.

Congressman Sessions visiting TC Marsh's Museum

Foundation Fighting Blindness EventOn Tuesday, I served as an event co-chair for the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ 7th Annual Visionary Awards Dinner in Dallas. As you may know, the Foundation Fighting Blindness drives research that will provide treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. I support both private and public sector investment in retinal disease research, and I look forward to continuing to work with organizations such as Foundation Fighting Blindness and with the National Institutes of Health to ensure that researchers can work together to determine successful treatments that could enhance the visual abilities of millions of Americans.

Congressman Sessions speaking at the FFB dinner

May Jobs ReportToday the Department of Labor released the monthly jobs report, which stated that our nation’s unemployment rate remained unchanged. While I’m pleased to learn that some Americans were able to find work last month, there is much more that can be done to spur job creation and economic growth. Just last week, the Department of Commerce released its revised GDP report showing that our economy shrank by one percent in the first quarter of 2014 – marking the worst quarter in three years. The American people deserve the job creation that comes with a growing economy but are instead stuck with the mediocre job growth that comes with a sluggish economy.

On Monday, the Administration’s EPA announced new proposed regulations on power plants that could cost 224,000 jobs annually and impose unnecessary compliance costs on American businesses. Instead of proposing onerous regulations that kill jobs, the Administration should encourage Senate Democrats to work with House Republicans on the dozens of bills we’ve passed to help bolster our economy. Dynamic job growth and a thriving economy is not the result of big government and more regulations. I will continue to fight to get Washington out of the way in order to give the people of North Texas the opportunities they deserve.